It seems a tad early for me, but Konami have announced PES 2010 for the PS3, Xbox 360, PC, PSP, PS2 and mobile phones.

Yep, it seems that only Nintendo consoles will be without the classic soccer game.

Anyway, here’s what they are promising for this/next years update…

• Gameplay: “PES 2010 focuses on enhancing the excitement
  of matches between players, making for a truly challenging experience
  that will constantly test the player. Intuitive zonal defending will
  cover spaces and players need to look constantly for new ways to
  attack. PES 2010 focuses on being a real football simulation, as it
  requires both strategic play and quick reactions, as in real life. In
  addition to key out-field elements, goalkeepers are more versatile and
  with abilities matching those of modern shot-stoppers. The game’s
  referees have also been reworked, with smarter AI elements allowing
  them to make more balanced calls during matches.”
• Improved Visuals: “PES 2010 has undergone a major visual
  revamp, with its celebrated player likenesses and animations now even
  closer to those of real-life players – including live player
  expressions to be depicted with an improved lighting system which
  differentiates between various conditions! Stadium detail is also
  massively improved, with the grass and other in-stadium elements finely
  depicted.”
• All-new Animations and Moves: “Animations now dovetail into
  each other seamlessly, with dribbling and shots on goals worked into
  dribbling animations. More individual skills are also on show,
  including new flicks and tricks that have a definite showing on the way
  a game flows. Several elements have been completely reworked, with the
  dribbling, turning and kicking animations greatly enhanced, while there
  is a noticeable change in pace when a player passes a ball from a
  standing position than from within a run.”
• Enhanced Master League: “Master League has been thoroughly
  renewed with the enhancement of managerial aspects, which enables users
  to enjoy managing a team for a longer career lifespan. Seen by many as
  a key contributor to the series’ success, the Master League elements in
  PES 2010 have been bolstered by far-ranging and vital new additions,
  dedicated to enriching the mode.”
• AI: “The Tokyo team has worked to improve the AI of the
  game, with Teamvision 2.0 implemented. Midfielders and defenders now
  work together to cover open space and close down attacks, meaning that
  cover can be provided for lower-ranked defenders. This also has the
  additional effect of removing soft goals, thus returning PES 2010 to
  its simulation roots. In terms of attacking, players can also now move
  several players (at) once, sending them into different areas, opening
  up more goal-scoring possibilities than ever before. As such, PES 2010
  necessitates a new level of control from the player. Strategic thinking
  is as important as quick passing, but the new system greatly opens the
  way the player oversees control of the team. In free kick scenarios,
  for instance, players can now instigate the runs of the players
  awaiting the ball in the penalty area.”
• Individual Play Characteristics: “In previous PES games, the
  team formation has determined the movements of the players. PES 2010
  introduces a new system wherein the individual attacking and defending
  nature of the players is integral to the way they play. Each player
  enjoys unique AI tied into their best abilities, and is reflected in
  the actions of their team mates – i.e. if a player who is known to be a
  good crosser of the ball is in possession, more players will flood the
  penalty area to receive it. Similarly, if a player is known to be good
  with close control, defenders will work to cover their stronger side,
  while lone strikers will be automatically supported by midfielders on
  receipt of the ball.”
• Strategy Use: “A new power gauge system allows users to
  balance their strategy in a quick, but wide-ranging way before a match.
  Every element – pass frequency, movement, the line of defence, width of
  play, or the position of the front line – can be altered to match those
  of a favoured club: Juventus Turin are a dangerous side on the
  counter-attack, for instance, while FC Barcelona use width in their
  attack. These formulations can be altered at any point, too, with Home
  and Away matches forcing different circumstances on the user, as does
  the rigours of a Master League season.”
• Enhanced Online: “A new dedicated section of the Tokyo team
  is committed to improving the online side of PES 2010. More
  downloadable content is also planned. Konami has supported PES 2009
  with the release of new licensed teams, transfer updates, etc, and this
  support will grow for PES 2010. Team and content updates are planned
  throughout the game’s lifespan. These will make the game even more
  bespoke to the player’s match day needs.”
• Match-Day Atmosphere: “Crowd reactions to the on-field
  action are now more varied, with all new chants and cheers. The subtle
  difference between Home and Away matches will be reproduced, and the
  crowd will react spontaneously to specific situations in a game,
  showing their disdain or pleasure as fouls are committed and goals
  scored. Likewise, the commentary has been altered to offer a fresher,
  more concise overview of the game.”
• Penalties: “An all-new system has been implemented, offering greater control, placing and accuracy.”
• Exclusive Europa League License: “Konami has strengthened
  its relationship with UEFA and can announce it has secured the
  exclusive video game rights for the Europa League Licence (formerly
  known as the UEFA Cup). In addition Konami will be enhancing and
  developing the use of the UEFA Champions League within PES 2010 to make
  even better use of the best club football competition in the world.”

Okay, got all that?

Good.

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